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An Experiment in Abstract Dreams

And the paintings on the walls here are the best we’ve ever doneAn experiment in abstract dreamsAnd the colors are colliding in strange, redemptive huesWhat we’ve got here is a good, slow burnWhat we’ve got here is a good, true thing
– “Stories in My Pocket” by Sarah Masen

It’s not uncommon to hear people disparage abstract paintings by saying something like “Heck, I could do that!” or “My kid could paint that!” I’m no expert on abstract art, but I see a lot of it I like, and a lot I don’t. I’m not a painter, but at one point I bought some canvases and paints and decided to try my hand at abstract painting. I figured it would be fun, and I might end up with something expressive, or at least interesting.

Guess what?

It was really, really hard. I didn’t end up with anything I liked. It made me appreciate people who are good at it.

I don’t usually shoot totally abstract photography, although I do like to play with images to make them somewhat more abstract than real life. The lyrics of the song quoted above have stuck with me since I first heard it 20 years ago. The phrase “an experiment in abstract dreams” resonated with me as something I try to do through my photography, with varying success.

I shot this image at one of those traveling carnivals that had been set up in a parking lot in my neighborhood. It was chilly, rainy, and windy, and a couple friends and I decided to take our cameras at night and see if ended up with anything interesting. This one was my favorite of the night. Actually, I think it’s only one of two or three that were worth keeping at all.

Other than converting to black and white and adjusting some levels, there’s not a lot of post-processing. The motion blur was all in camera at the time of exposure, created by shooting hand-held with a slow shutter speed, and panning along with the carousel horse as it flew by. Although not technically an abstract image, I think allows a lot of room for the viewer to bring their own emotions and interpretations into it.

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About BrightStudio

I’ve been in love with photography for over 40 years. A lot has changed in that time. But whether shooting on traditional film, instant film, or digital, I always seek to bring a unique vision to the world around me, and to present it in a way that will make others see their world in a different light. -Darryl Asher

About Conservation Matting
All prints are delivered conservation matted in 20×24 inch mats, ready to frame.

Conservation matting uses archival, acid free mat and backing board, hinged with acid free linen tape. The print is held in place with acid free photo corners, leaving the print free of adhesives, and allowing you freedom to change matting at any time without damaging the print.

Shipping
All prints are shipped within the domestic United States for a flat fee of $20 shipping and handling.

Shipping is free for orders of two or more prints.

For international orders, please email darryl@brightstudio.com for rates and information.

No-Fade Guarantee
Use of archival inks, media, and matting materials will prevent any fading with age when properly displayed. However, if your print ever fades, I will replace it free of charge, no questions asked. Just mail the print to me and I will send out a replacement.